Four Russian Soldiers Killed In Chechnya

Six Russian solders were injured in the latest clashes in the breakaway republic (file photo) (AFP) 1 February 2006 -- Four Russian soldiers were killed and six injured in the latest clashes in Russia's breakaway republic of Chechnya.

An official in the pro-Moscow administration -- who asked to not be identified -- told the French news agency AFP that the four were killed over a 24-hour period in different parts of the republic.

Firefights occur almost daily between the estimated 80,000 troops and a mixture of independence fighters and Islamic radicals.

Earlier today, the Supreme Court of Russia's southern republic of Ingushetia sentenced four Chechens to 17 years in prison over a deadly raid nearly two years ago.

The four men were found guilty last week of involvement in the June 2004 raid when a group of armed men led by Chechen separatist commander Shamil Basayev attacked police and government targets in Ingushetia. The raid left 79 people dead and another 104 injured.

(compiled from agency reports)